Shoe Fetish

Adorable Sassanova(1641 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202/471-4400) is the brainchild of two shoe-obsessed friends who decided to set up shop. Their scrupulously edited selection includes the latest from Tibi, Missoni, and Sigerson Morrison. At cavelike Carbon(2643 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202/232-6645), the mandate is form plus function: deconstructed, rubber-soled wing tips by Blackstone, and limited-edition Italian-leather Chelsea boots.

For Your Inner Wonk

Political Americana(1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 202/737-7730) is a trove of presidential memorabilia, where you’ll find Christmas cards sent by the Eisenhowers and a diecast tie bar engraved with Jimmy Carter’s signature.